Car Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent GL Sport

Accent builds on rising quality

The Accent has long been one of Hyundai’s staples — it can, perhaps, lay claim to changing the perception of Hyundai from a purveyor of disposable automobiles to a company with rapidly rising quality. The latter has become Hyundai’s ace in the hole. In the 2006 J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, Hyundai ranked third behind Porsche and Lexus and ahead of Toyota (fourth) and Honda (sixth). Not bad for a brand that arrived in Canada in 1983 (remember, it was the 1984 Pony that started it all).

The 2008 Accent hatchback builds on the basics. To begin with, it rides on a longer 2,500-millimetre wheelbase (up 60 mm) and a wider track. This ups the footprint, which helps the handling while delivering more interior space. It also boasts decent interior materials and plenty of content as long as you avoid the base car. The entry-level model makes do with manual locks and mirrors as well as arm-strong windows that need to be open if you want any form of air conditioning.

The Sport’s lengthy list of stuff starts with filtered air conditioning and ends with a good six-speaker AM/FM/ CD audio system that is MP3 compatible and features an auxiliary plug-in. Between the two there’s a full complement of power items including a sunroof, a much needed rear window washer/wiper and fog lights. It is also logically laid out — the radio sits above the climate controls and the instrumentation is easily scanned.

As is true of all hatchbacks, the rear seat is best left for occasional use. Head-and legroom are on the tight side and getting back there is a bit of a pain. Likewise, after the passenger’s seat has been moved forward to allow access it does not return to its original position.

In terms of versatility, the Accent hatch succeeds for the most part. With a capacity of 15.9 cubic feet, it has one of the roomiest trunks in the segment. The drawback is that when the 60/40-split-folding seats are flat (a three-step process that calls for the base to be lifted, the headrest removed and the back folded down), the seat stands proud of the floor and so large objects are left teeter-tottering on the step.

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-litre, twin-cam, in-line four that features variable valve timing on the intake side. The result is 110 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Mat the gas off the line and the engine needs to get some revs under its belt before it starts to pull with the expected vigour. This trait explains the test car’s 10.9-second run to 100 kilo-metres an hour. Once moving, however, the Accent is more than up to dealing with the cut and thrust of a daily commute. The 80-120-km/h move takes 8.3 seconds and so can be accomplished without needing a country mile of clear road ahead.

It’s also a frugal puppy at the pumps. Rated at 8.5/5.9 litres per 100 km city/highway, the tester managed a better-than-average 8.1 L/100 km. I also appreciated the Sport’s thirst for regular gas.

A minor nit is found with the four-speed automatic — it tends to take too long to downshift at times (when pulling out of a slower corner it likes to hang onto third when second would be the better gear). Given the choice I’d stick with the five-speed manual transmission and save the $1,000.

Riding on front struts, a rear torsion beam and anti-roll bars back and front, the Accent is geared as much for handling as comfort. The Sport’s firmer suspension does allow some initial body roll, but as soon as it takes a set, the Accent rides out a looping on-ramp or faster corner with little drama.

The other item that makes a big difference is tire choice. It does not take much to induce understeer when the Accent is shod with its stock P185/65R14 rubber. The Sport’s P205/45R16 tires not only firm up the handling (there’s appreciably less understeer) because of the added width and lower profile, they bring a sharper response to steering input and help the braking performance. The front disc/rear drum system manages to haul the Accent to a halt in 40.8 metres from 100 km/h, which is pretty good.

All things considered, the Accent Sport is a surprisingly spry package that has a lot to like. It is affordable, frugal, fun to drive and responsive to driver input. It is also a surprisingly pleasant place to spend time.

The drawback is the availability of anti-lock brakes — they are only offered on the range-topping GLS four-door sedan (the same applies to seat-mounted side air bags and drop-down side curtains).

The arrival of the Saturn Astra XE ($17,900) with its standard anti-lock brakes and a full suite of air bags changes the ground rules. To stay truly competitive, Hyundai might want to rethink the safety of its entry-level patrons, especially those buying the Sport. At $17,495, it is within a whisker of the Astra.